Detailed job description and main responsibilities

If you are a compassionate, skilled, and enthusiastic Nurse with NHS experience, we want you to join our team on Surgical SDEC/ASU. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an innovative and supportive multidisciplinary team, where you can enhance your skills and make a real difference to our patients. As a Band 5 Nurse on ASU/SDEC, you will be responsible for the care of patients arriving directly from Accident and Emergency, GP surgeries, Minor Injury Units, clinics and other hospitals. You will manage a range of patients and ensure that they receive timely, safe, and compassionate care. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Key Responsibilities:
Delivering High-Quality Patient Care: You will assess, complete a full nursing admission if required, check vital signs, identifying complications, and managing pain relief.  You will use your clinical skills for cannulation and venesection including venous blood gases. You will catheterise patients if necessary and insert NG tubes if required.  You will need the ability to recognise a deteriorating patient, report to the medical team and be able to take action immediately to ensure patient safety.

Patient Safety: Adhere to clinical guidelines and protocols to ensure the highest standards of safety in patient care. This includes infection control procedures, maintaining accurate records, and implementing best practices at all times.

Collaborative Teamwork: Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic care. You will actively contribute to ward rounds, care planning, and ensuring continuity of care for patients during their stay on the ward.

Emotional Support: A hospital admission can be an anxious time for patients and their families. You will provide emotional support, offering reassurance, and addressing any concerns they may have. Your compassionate approach will ensure that patients feel supported throughout their journey. 
Advocacy:  Act as a patient advocate, ensuring that patients' rights and preferences are respected. You will be responsible for obtaining informed consent and involving patients fully in decisions about their treatment. 

Admission and Discharge: Assist with the admission process, ensuring that all necessary information is gathered and patients are safely admitted to the ward. You will also support the safe discharge of patients, ensuring that they are well prepared to leave the hospital and that follow-up care is arranged as needed.

Skills and Experience Required
Registered Nurse: You must hold a current NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration. 

Clinical Experience in High-pressured Settings: Previous experience of a minimum of one year in the NHS or surgical settings is preferred, though we also welcome candidates passionate about surgical patients and looking to develop their skills. 

Critical Thinking & Quick Decision-Making: You must be able to recognize early signs of deterioration in patients and take immediate, appropriate action to prevent complications.

Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. You should be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and colleagues, particularly in high-pressure environments.

For further details / informal visits contact: Dawn Tugby - Ward Manager Acute Surgical Unit [email protected] - 02381204642 or Jack Bowers - Surgical Matron - [email protected]